Job Description

This opportunity is only open to applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.

Would you like to be at the heart of delivering Scotland’s energy transition, working across boundaries and with stakeholders to be part of Scotland’s journey to Net Zero?

The Offshore Wind Directorate works across government and the Scottish public sector to deliver offshore renewables in Scotland at a scale and pace which is sustainable and transformational for Scotland’s Net Zero ambition, citizens, communities, environment and economy.

The Offshore Wind Environmental Policy Officer sits within the Strategic Compensation Policy team which is responsible for taking forwards elements of the Planning Assessment Compensation and Evidence (PACE) programme. You will be supporting the implementation of Scotland’s Strategic Compensation Policy for Offshore Wind and related work streams, which industry has identified as critical to unblocking the deployment of offshore wind in Scottish waters.

Responsibilities

• Support the effective and consistent implementation of new secondary legislation and guidance which have amended the Habitats Regulations for offshore wind. This will involve working collaboratively across the division, with consenting, science and legal colleagues and engaging externally with the offshore wind sector and public bodies.
• Build and maintain positive and effective working relationships with stakeholders across government, public bodies, industry and other UK administrations to implement Scotland’s Strategic Compensation Policy for Offshore Wind. Working collaboratively, you will contribute to the development and delivery of environmental policy, regulatory proposals and approaches that facilitate sustainable offshore wind deployment.
• Support on a range of corporate tasks across the Division, including working on Ministerial submissions, Ministerial and official correspondence, Parliamentary Questions, Freedom of Information requests and maintenance of relevant core briefs.
• Development and delivery of stakeholder engagement processes, including clear written and verbal communications and facilitating constructive discussions to manage differing perspectives, priorities and interests.
• Work collaboratively across the Offshore Wind Directorate and wider DG Net Zero portfolio and team Scotland programme to support shared priorities and contribute to the successful delivery of Scotland’s offshore wind ambitions.
• Flexibility and Adaptability
• The Offshore Wind Directorate operates in a dynamic policy environment, and priorities may evolve over time, including in response to changing Ministerial priorities. In line with expectations across the Scottish Government, staff are expected to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability, enabling the Directorate and wider DG Net Zero to respond effectively to emerging priorities. Consequently, the responsibilities outlined in this role may change and develop over time, and the team is expected to work collaboratively and flexibly to achieve shared objectives.

Professional / Technical Skills

Policy Context and Purpose – Level 2 Practitioner

• Understand the policy process. Develop expertise within the policy area to operate credibly and effectively.
• Embed cross-cutting policy objectives and responsibilities

Participation and Engagement – Level 2 Practitioner

• Enable participation by stakeholders in the policy process. Seek enhanced transparency and openness.

Parliament and Law – Level 1 Developing

• Understand the legislative process.

You can find out more about Policy Profession Standards here: Policy Profession Standards Annex

Experience

• Policy experience essential.
• Stakeholder engagement experience essential.
• Experience working on legislation and engagement with the legislative processes would be an advantage.

Working pattern

This role is a temporary maternity leave cover position with an expected commitment of 7.5 months.

Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.

How to Apply

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B2 grade employees.

Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words).

Vacancies close at 23:59pm on Tuesday 15 September.

If you have questions about your application please contact Joel.Hankinson@gov.scot

Selection Process

All applicants will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager. There will be no formal testing or assessment.

Discussions are expected to be scheduled for w/c TBC.

Recruitment Principles

As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.